Delray Beach Cancels 2027 Parades to Comply With State Law

The City of Delray Beach canceled its 2027 St. Patrick's Day Parade and Pride festival to comply with Florida Senate Bill 1134. Signed by Governor Ron DeSantis in April, the law prohibits local governments from funding, promoting, or implementing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives starting January 1, 2027. The city determined that the law's restrictions on activities referencing ethnicity, sexual orientation, or gender identity legally prohibit the government from organizing these events.

Mayor Tom Carney is currently seeking private sponsors and organizers to take over the events, as the legislation allows such activities if they are privately funded. Carney stated he is working with multiple entities to ensure the St. Patrick's Day parade, a tradition since 1968, continues as scheduled. While several individuals have expressed interest in underwriting the parade, no formal commitments have been made.

Other Florida cities, including Fort Lauderdale and Hollywood, are reviewing their event calendars for potential DEI-related cancellations. Governor DeSantis maintains that the law prevents the use of public funds for such initiatives and establishes penalties for officials who violate these requirements.